Intro: it will still follow the events of the CFV story original anime, but with some alteration…

Disclaimer: I do not own Touken Ranbu and Cardfight! Vanguard and other material which came from the said Game/Anime, they are owned by its original creators. The making of this story and this story is made for the fans and the writer XD. Although the plot and some changes in the story are from me ^_^.

Chapter 33: The National Tournament

~Go back in time to Aichi and Shokudaikiri~

When Kiyomitsu closed off the door, Aichi who was standing in front of his table silently waited at the time they fully left the area.

Noticing that Aichi is standing and not moving Shokudaikiri was about to call out to him but then Aichi slumped to the floor.

"Aichi-sama?!" Shokudaikiri who was worried hurried to his side and noticed the still beet red complexion on Aichi's face, thinking that he might have a fever he used his hands to touch his forehead and his to check his temperature "I don't think you have a fever?"

Aichi hearing those words from Shokudaikiri slowly raised both his hands to cover his whole face "Shokudaikiri…"

"Yes?" He responded.

"What should I do?" Aichi asked devastated, Shokudaikiri not understanding what he meant waited for Aichi to continue what he wanted to say "I don't know how to keep a straight face to Mikazuki now."

"Ahhh… I see, well first of all, do you have any memory regarding why you didn't let go of his clothes?" Shokudaikiri started.

"When he carried me, I was supposed to decline the offer but then when I was now in his arms I felt comfortable and warm and fell into sleep without noticing but the last thing I did knew was I don't want to let go" Aichi took a peek at Shokudaikiri

Shokudaikiri smiled at Aichi "Are you perhaps somewhat feeling lonely?" Aichi was surprised at what Shokudaikiri said.

Slowly caressing Aichi's head he spoke "Maybe you missed the warmth, well you have been through a lot, maybe someone's warmth helped you find comfort." Shokudaikiri's facial expression turned into sadness "I did saw the final battle, we were all watching after all" Aichi's red face went away and his hands slowly dropped "You were scared there right?" Aichi stared at Shokudaikiri as if realizing something, something that he was trying to hide was seen "We all noticed though."

"You did let out some of it when you came back, but it seems it wasn't enough right?" Shokudaikiri added bringing back the warm smile that he wore before to comfort Aichi.

Aichi who can't take it anymore holding onto the sleeve of Shokudaikiri's shirt "Can I borrow your shoulder Shokudaikiri?" Shokudaikiri let's go of his hands that was on top of Aichi's head and readies his arms for Aichi.

Shokudaikiri responded in affirmation "Of course…" Aichi moved closer to Shokudaikiri and let's out all the baggage that he still has left "I'm sure Mikazuki understood your reason that is why he chose not to take off your hands and asked Imanotsurugi to also stay beside you so that you can feel comfortable" As Shokudaikiri is now embracing Aichi in his arms, he lightly caress his back as he lets him cry. "It was effective though right? You didn't have nightmares?" Aichi nodded "I see, that is good."

"Though I think we should probably explain this to Kiyomitsu, although I know deep inside him that he understood the reason when Mikazuki said you were tightly grasping to his clothes and suggested to Imanotsurugi to sleep beside you, but we do know him though" Shokudaikiri chuckled, Aichi who is tightly embraced and listening to Shokudaikiri nodded to his guidance.

"Thank you very much Shokudaikiri" Aichi said as he broke away from the embrace.

"Feeling better now?" Shokudaikiri asked which Aichi nodded to answer.

"Great, let's get you change and prepare for your trip then" Shokudaikiri wiped off the tears on Aichi's face which was now smiling to assure him that he is now doing fine and then continued to what they were supposed to do in the first place.

~Dining Hall~

As Aichi opened the door to the dining hall he noticed that he was the only in the room as his breakfast is already prepared, though little did he know that Kiyomitsu was actually waiting beside the door which Aichi didn't notice easily.

Kiyomitsu sighed "Really though, are you going to continue to make us worry?" it was another time for them alone to talk together.

Aichi closed off the door and walked to his seat while Kiyomitsu followed "You know you could have asked someone for help even though all of us were tired you know." Kiyomitsu closed in on Aichi "Weren't you the one who promised that you will always say what you real feel and say the truth"

Aichi raised both his arms in defeat "I… to be honest, I thought I was really fine, but I realized when Mikazuki carried me in his arms that I feel like I got some of the comfort I need and fell asleep immediately." Then Aichi started blushing "It wasn't my intention to end up in that situation though" Aichi explained.

Kiyomitsu straightened himself as he exhales "Well, continue your breakfast, ill clean it up after." Not taking the conversation further he sat next to him as he wait for him to finish while they make small talks while Aichi continues to eat.

~Entrance Hall~

Everyone is gathered at the entry hall that greatly surprised Aichi "We are all here to bid you good luck!" Konnosuke said as he wag his tail.

Overwhelmed in happiness Aichi responded to their feelings "Thank you for everyone's support, I will do my best!"

As Aichi turns to the exit Hasebe stepped forward "Do you need someone to accompany you there?" Hasebe asked, looking eager, making almost everyone giving him a weird look.

"Oh, yes thanks for reminding me" Aichi remembered as he rummage through his bag "I have a little favor, can you buy this for me?" Aichi gave Hasebe a paper of what to buy and the other specification

"Clothing Material?" Hasebe said as he takes note of what is on the paper.

Aichi nodded as affirmation to what he asked "Yes, it's for Mikazuki, since he is new here, he would need something comfortable and easy to wear." Aichi smiled to Mikazuki which he bowed his head a little for thanks.

"Yagen…" Aichi called his attention.

Surprised, Yagen went to where Aichi is, and as he finally reached Aichi, Aichi held Yagen's hands and revealed the bracelet he is wearing "Aichi-sama?" Confused as to why he did something surprising, Aichi held onto the bell as a small light shone for a moment he let's go of Yagen's hands so that he could see that Aichi's crest is now engraved at the other side of the bell everyone yelled out "Whoa!" in surprise of this new discovery.

Aichi smiled "Yagen!" Aichi called out his name.

"Y-yes!" A little happy that Aichi's crest is joined in his own Yagen can't help but feel ecstatic.

"This is just temporary" Yagen felt down a little as Aichi starts his explanation "This crest will be proof that you are my attendant, every once in a while when I think of the need to change I will take off my crest and pass it on to whom will be the next attendant". Aichi finished.

The others were excited of this new discovery, even Mina and Konnosuke were surprised at what Aichi did since they didn't taught him about how to do that to him.

"So does this mean Yagen is the first to experience this and your attendant as of today?" Hasebe asked seemingly jealous of Yagen.

Understanding this Yagen smirked at Hasebe as if adding fuel to it, seeing this could end up badly Aichi decided to intervene "Ah… Uhm! Will the two of you please accompany me up to Card Capital?" Aichi asked the two.

"Of course!" The two were in sync as they hold their bickering.

"Then I will leave everything in your hands Yagen, I also think that this will be your chance to study about this era's medicine when you go out and get the herbs that you needed." Aichi bitterly smiled at Yagen "I would like to come join but…"

Yagen feeling the joy of Aichi taking notice of his likes and wants made him happier "Let's go next time!" Yagen hastily cut off Aichi before he could finish his sentence which surprised Aichi "I… I'm sorry." He apologized as he wants to be with Aichi when that time comes, doing something he likes with the master he treasures right now.

Aichi chuckled "Next time then, for now may I ask the favor to buy the materials I needed."

"Will do Aichi-sama!" Yagen nodded as he feels his happiness overwhelming again.

"Shall we head off then?" Aichi asked.

"Yes." The two said as Aichi, Yagen and Hasebe headed to the exit as Tsurumaru and Shokudaikiri followed to close off the gates.

When all the toudans has dispersed Mina and Konnosuke were left talking to each other "The toudans that Aichi made an oath with won't be able to notice the crest for now" Konnosuke said while his eyes close.

"Oh, you mean the merged crest?" Mina said "Aichi's crest is overlapped with the crest the toudans that he makes an oath with."

"I think it's time we create a crest for Aichi." Konnosuke said "That crest is what the bell read him as which fits him"

"I agree too! But he still need a family crest right? His own crest is different from the family crest" Mina smiled while everything around her is now shining and glittering.

"Let me guess you already found a symbolism for him?" Konnosuke sweat drop at Mina's reaction.

"Of course!" Mina showed her phone to Konnosuke as a flower is displayed with description.

"The meaning of the name Gladiolus comes from the Latin "gladiolus", which means "small sword", referring to the shape of the leaves. Gladiolus symbolizes strength, strong character, honor and moral integrity. It also stands for remembrance and faithfulness. Gladiolus can also signify serious romantic feelings." Konnosuke reads out the description on the flower "Wow this is actually perfect for him" Konnosuke wags his tail in delight. "It also has very interesting facts"

Thinking back on the small sword term "Oh! What do you think about sword?" Konnosuke suggested.

"Hm! Hm! Hm!" Mina closes her eyes as she nodded with a smile "Aichi's name can mean Ai for love and his Chi for Blood while his Sendou represents guidance and leadership. The flower represents his love which is the flower gladiolus while the Sword represent his blood which can also be his Sendou for his guidance and leadership."

"Oh yeah and also Aichi's favorite card is a knight, maybe we could use the sword of that knight as reference?" Konnosuke suggested.

"I can't wait!" Mina exclaimed.

"Me too!" Konnosuke too.

"I can't also wait for the time that all those symbols fits him" Mina smiled bitterly looking at her phone emphasizing on the first symbolism of the flower gladiolus.

~On their way to Card Capital~

While walking towards Card Capital Hasebe seems restless although Yagen noticed it he decided to not know why, while Aichi feels somewhat worried since it is his first time but it couldn't be said to Yagen but then Hasebe spoke "Aichi-sama are you sure that you don't need help in lifting your bag?" Hasebe insisted so that is the reason why he was so restless Yagen sighed while Aichi was surprised that the reason was because of that.

Aichi thinking that it might be best to give it to Hasebe handed the bag he was carrying to him "Sure…"

As he gave it to Hasebe they noticed the difference as he now walks with a kind of sense of dignity which made Aichi gave off a nervous laugh while Yagen could only sigh once again.

Then Yagen can't help but get curious while examining the surroundings "Aichi-sama" Yagen called Aichi's attention "This era has a surprisingly huge change, no wars, not much people built traditional houses, and they don't wear the usual traditional clothing too" Yagen said, even though he was silent all the way it was only because he was examining the area in fascination.

"Yeah, westernization was introduced in Kiyomitsu and Mutsunokami's Era which is Tokugawa Era or Edo, that is why I think Mutsunokami is wielding a gun, adding to the fact that his previous owner, Sakamoto Ryouma also uses it" Yagen smiles as Aichi looks so happy while he was telling about the story of the past which will make the mentioned toudans happy that Aichi indeed take notes of their past though he is sure that he does not know all of them since he paired them together.

"If I remembered the time they were smithed it was that era that westernization was introduced and then a huge changed happened which is Meiji restoration, there is still possibility of wars but…" Aichi paused on the word war, noticing the hesitation from Aichi Yagen decided not to ask further as he understood the war that he was referring to.

Thankfully Hasebe spoke "Aichi-sama" calling Aichi to his senses.

"Y-yes?" Aichi responded a little surprised.

"I noticed that the people we have passed by whispers and looks intently at us." Hasebe said as he noticed the people around.

Seeing the expression from the people they were passing by Aichi already understood what those stares and whispers mean Aichi looked somewhat down but then turned to smile since what he thought of was that the toudans are fitting in right in "They are whispering because I have two handsome gentleman accompanying me" Aichi thought of the positive instead of the negative.

Both Yagen and Hasebe were surprised at his remark, looking at each other they smiled as they both said in unison "That is because we have a very cute master that we need to protect." Aichi blushed at the word that the two said out, hearing this Aichi laughed as they can now see Card Capital.

~Card Capital~

"Oh you are here! I really thought we were going to be late." Shin said as he greets Aichi.

"Ah… sorry about that." Aichi nervously laughed as he noticed that Misaki, Kai and Kamui were already in position.

"Hasebe my bag" Aichi asked for his bag that Hasebe was carrying up till now.

"Ah is that your bag Aichi-kun, I'll take it and place it at back you can take a seat now." As Hasebe hands over the bag to Shin, Aichi went inside the van and sat in the middle.

"Oi you three, you better look out for Aichi-sama" Hasebe said with a hint of threat in his words. Aichi laughed nervously again as he thanked that it was a good thing Shin isn't there to hear what he was saying.

"Hasebe." Yagen called trying to call him down.

"Hasebe I'll be fine, this isn't the battle field you can rest assured that I will be fine." Aichi reassures Hasebe. "I know that you two don't have the same views even though you both are previously owned by Oda Nobunaga, but maybe it's also because of that that you two can change and make an agreement someday." As Shin closes the door it meant the time is up.

The two who is still surprised at his comment only can only say "Take care Aichi-sama." as Aichi wave goodbye.

"He truly does look out for all of us." Hasebe said as he looks at the bell that he is wearing as Yagen agreed.

~National Tournament Stadium~

As they were dropped by Shin the four instantly encounters a powerful team, Team Caesar although they instantly called off the crowd's attention hence headed to a place where they think can't catch attention.

Team Caesar the previous champions consists of 3 members, one younger brother named Gai and one older sister Yuri, the Usui sibling and one the leader Kenji Mitsusada.

While talking with Team Caesar for getting to know them "Aichi-sama!" Aichi flinched at the enthusiastic voice that called out to him, that voice could only be from those two making Team Caesar surprised at how the said person called him.

Aichi slowly looked at the owner of the voice as he saw a waving Hasebe with Yagen beside him and then he noticed Miwa in front of the two as other two familiar people were there "Hasebe? Yagen?"

"We are to cheer you Aichi-sama!" Hasebe shouted.

"Good luck on your battles here Aichi-sama" Yagen said as serious as he can be.

Miwa smiled wryly to Aichi "He brought them here…" Misaki said as she noticed the smile from Miwa and the two person behind him. Seeing Miwa they couldn't help but this of the worst on how he was able to make the two come.

Kai's brows frowned as Kai thought of the simplest and easiest way "I'll let Mina-nee do something about him" Somehow instead of feeling angry they somehow felt pitiful.

While Morikawa, Izaki, and Miwa changed their attire as Hasebe and Yagen were closely watching at where Aichi was, while Miwa heard Kai's remark "Oi! Don't you dare, I'm already suffering here as it is here!"

"It's the only thing to do for bringing them here." Kai retaliated back to which Miwa surrendered in defeat. Hasebe and Yagen who were just watching the scene didn't bother since they know themselves what really happened and thought that maybe they would just explain later.

Deciding to continue on with their conversation Gai from Team Caesar started up a conversation "I noticed that you have a team of four so do you have a fixed line up or it depends according to your opponent?" Yuri called off Gai who asked about the other team's strategy.

Kai spoke out "It doesn't matter what our strategy is, it will be for us to decide that." Yuri glared at Gai for hearing those words since Gai was too nosy about the other team.

When Team Caesar bid their farewell and good lucks, Kenji can't helped but look back to Aichi and the two behind him while Morikawa, Izaki, and Miwa with Hasebe and Yagen following decided to leave too and to find seats.

When Team Caesar was not near them anymore "I have a proposition" Kai spoke, surprisingly he is becoming more open to them and decided to listen "Why not let Aichi fight every match?"

Which greatly surprised the three "Are you sure?!" Kamui said "If so since Misaki-san wasn't able to fight last time I'll opt out!" Kamui decided because hearing changes from Kai, Kamui can't help but be happy and let Kai "I'll give the spotlight to you three so do your best."

Turning to face Aichi "Aichi, you better show that even in this battlefield that you also have changed." Kai stares Aichi in the eyes.

"I will!" Aichi affirmed full of confidence and thrill in the fight to come.

And then comes Shin whom they have forgotten who told them to wait for them while he looks for a parking lot for the van they used.

~Inside the stadium~

As the rules of the game is being explained Aichi and the others talk about their strategy as they noticed a certain group in their division FFAL4 "Oh Foo Fighter Apex Limited 4, they are last year's champion." Shin said which means on their block they will have to battle against the strongest too early.

And as luck would have it, Kai was surprised when Misaki and Aichi mentioned that they have encountered the leader Ren Suzugamori before in a certain shop and now coming forward them is a member from said team and with the hidden secret that the leader, the person who greets them Tetsu Shinjou is an old acquaintance of Kai.

And when it was as if they already have luck it instantly flew away, Kai's mood become sour with Aichi comes forward trying to help Misaki stops him quoting that "Everyone has something they don't want to talk back."

As the start of their first round battle both Aichi and Misaki devastatingly lost this round.

"They lost…" Hasebe said as he watches the scene unfold while Yagen quietly watches.

Saddened by the lost it seems it wasn't the time to be feeling blue thinking that they were weak their enemy team Salutes them as they said "We only salute opponents that we considered formidable rivals" as the leader smiles and bid them farewell.

Added by Shin "See they noticed your strength too, there are still two fights left, let's do our best in the next battle!" to give support to the two with Kamui, while Kai silently watches them waiting for the next battle.

On their next match Shin suggested that Kai fights first so that they can have a one sure win which Kai did not let down and earned a victory and a crushing defeat for his opponent, he was that strong.

Owning a remark from Miwa "You can only feel sorry for the other guy." It was a complete utter lost for the opponent.

"Hmm… so that is Toshiki Kai" Yagen said as he watches Kai's fight.

"Oh what's with the sudden interest?" Miwa asked curious, Yagen answering to Miwa's question gave only a smirk as they continue to watch once again as his curiosity was up to a maximum.

Fortunately by betting on with her Tsukuyomi Misaki was able to win her battle leaving Team Q4 finally having win streak this round. And now the time to fight FFAL4 that is after a quick break.

~Lunch Time~

"Aichi-sama you were doing great in your battle, although I don't understand most of it but with Miwa-dono's guidance we were able to gain some knowledge about it." Hasebe said as they meet up with Aichi's team.

"Dono?" Aichi was surprised at the formality.

"It's because he was greatly helpful." Yagen said walking beside Hasebe.

"Aichi-sama, we deeply apologize that we have neglected your instruction to buy the materials you needed." Hasebe was deeply disappointed at his self while clenching his fists as Kai, Aichi, Misaki, and Kamui all looked at Miwa.

"I… I told you it was a misunderstanding!" Miwa tries to explain himself as he notices the stare of distrust he surrendered once again.

Yagen decided to take a seat in front of Miwa while Hasebe still stood beside Aichi as he explains the situation "Aichi-sama please pardon Miwa-dono" He started which greatly surprised Aichi, Kai, Misaki, and Kamui and decided to listen to the full story "You see Aichi-sama as you said your farewell we listened to your instruction of how to get to the location, as luck would have it we came across Miwa-dono and your other friends, knowing that it was him we approach him for a favor as to where you would be heading."

"We couldn't thank him enough as he was kind enough as to even let us join them since he argued it was better than getting lost as we aren't accustomed to this era yet." Yagen added to help Miwa as seeing him felt pitying.

"It was surprising really Aichi-sama this era of yours!" Hasebe was thrilled about this era it seems as how he greatly explained with passion "Though I deeply apologize if some of the money for the material was used up for our transportation" Though the feeling of passion eventually went down faster than expected.

"I told you it was a misunderstanding so Kai you don't have to tell Mina-nee!" Miwa said as he was finally able to come clean, Kai as if nothing happened looks at the side. "Oi!"

Finally the truth was out "It's alright I think I have some pocket money here, so if we ever have some time left let's go buy the materials" Aichi tries to console Hasebe as finally the misunderstanding was cleared though it couldn't be said the same with the others as they were baffled at what is happening in front of them.

Outro: the description of the flower was from a site from the net, Mizu nee was the one who gave the site address it was very helpful thank you~ 3!

I'm very sorry for my lack of vocabulary and wrong grammars and wrong spellings, but I hope you like the story nonetheless, and thank you for everyone's continuous support!

Thank you for reading! Please review or pm for any suggestions or problems on the story.